How Great Associations Are Built: Leadership, Service & the Future of Multifamily

How Great Associations Are Built: Leadership, Service & the Future of Multifamily

Strong apartment associations don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional leadership, engaged volunteers, and a commitment to serving both members and communities.

What separates a good association from an award-winning one? Is it advocacy? Education? Leadership development? Community impact? The answer is all of the above.

On this episode of The Associated Podcast, Bryan and Todd sit down with Sloane Cerbana, Tricia Johnson, and Jason Loughridge of the Washington Multi Family Housing Association (WMFHA), the 2025 NAA Affiliate of the Year, to explore what it takes to build an association that consistently delivers value to its members while strengthening the rental housing industry as a whole.

From developing future leaders and expanding statewide education to creating meaningful philanthropic partnerships and navigating housing policy, this conversation offers practical lessons for association professionals and industry leaders alike.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why volunteer engagement is the foundation of every successful association
How WMFHA’s Emerging Leaders Program is developing the next generation of industry leadership
Why associations should focus on creating opportunities—not just events
How philanthropy strengthens both communities and the multifamily industry’s reputation
The role associations play in advocacy, education, and career development
Why mental health and employee wellbeing have become critical issues across multifamily
How associations can evolve to meet the changing needs of members and the rental housing industry

Great associations don’t simply provide services—they create leaders, build relationships, advocate for their members, and strengthen entire industries. Whether you’re an association executive, volunteer leader, supplier partner, or property management professional, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to build an organization that members are proud to support.

Guest Bio:

Sloane Cerbana

Sloane Cerbana serves as Vice President of Operations for the Washington Multi Family Housing Association. Since joining the association in 2008, she has helped transform WMFHA into one of the nation’s leading apartment associations, overseeing award-winning education, career development, and operational initiatives. A 2022 NAA ACE Educator of the Year, Sloane is also one of a select group of nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructors dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of multifamily professionals. She is passionate about leadership development, lifelong learning, and helping association members build meaningful careers.

Connect with Sloane on LinkedIn HERE.

Tricia Johnson

Tricia Johnson is the Senior Director of Events & Marketing for the Washington Multi Family Housing Association. Since joining WMFHA in 2012, she has led many of the association’s signature events, including the Emerald Awards, EdCon, and the WMFHA Invitational. She also oversees the association’s philanthropic initiatives, partnering with nonprofit organizations throughout Washington to create volunteer opportunities and strengthen the connection between the multifamily industry and the communities it serves.

Connect with Tricia on LinkedIn HERE.

Jason Loughridge

Jason Loughridge serves as Director of Career Development for the Washington Multi Family Housing Association. With more than 25 years of multifamily experience spanning onsite operations, training, association leadership, and education, Jason leads WMFHA’s professional development initiatives, including the highly successful Emerging Leaders Program. He is a passionate advocate for leadership development, mentorship, and creating inclusive opportunities that help professionals at every stage of their careers succeed.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

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Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn:

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Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529

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